Sage, Garden

Sow indoors in spring, or directly outdoors once the soil has warmed up in early summer. The seeds require some light to germinate so do not fully cover with soil. Sow on the surface and lightly press into the soil. Keep soil moist. Germination should take 10-14 days.

Sage is a stalwart of the herbal and home-care tradition. Long found in apothecary and allotment gardens alike, Sage’s name says it all. Used for enhancing memory into old age, its brimming with a range of aromatically protective vitalities. One famous compound is Rosmarinic acid- also found in Sage’s Lamiacea relative Rosemary – that is a powerful antioxidant and preservative with potent anti-inflamtory effects. Broadly speaking it helps to protect the nerves, cardiovascular and digestive systems. Some of its compounds work on the GABA- benzodiazipine receptor in the brain attesting to the numerous historical quotes lauding its benefits. As the Herbalist John Hill said, “Sage will retard that rapid progress of decay that threads upon our heels so fast in latter years of life, will preserve faculty and memory more valuable to the rational mind than life itself.” – this was back in the 1750s sounding disturbingly like dementia. Think of Sage for restoring after nervous exhaustion after any big life changes.

Its high tannin content make it useful for the uncomfortable ‘hyperhydrosis’- excessive sweating. The flavonoids are thought to have a mild oestrogenic effect, the combiantion of which is why it is a favourite for astringing hot flushes but also protecting the skin. This astringency is more energetically seen as ‘holding everything in place’, helping to alleviate anxiety, confusion, as well as colicy period and digestive pain. It also stops leakage of fluids- Sage tea is used to dry up excessive breast milk as well as excess salivation, catarrh, and diarrhoea. A mouthwash is used for any inflammation in the mouth, tongue and throat and is a long-used home-remedy as a gargle for sore throats.

Not to be used in pregnancy.

Harvest the fresh new growth above the woody stem at the height of summer. Use the leaves fresh in cooking or as a tea. For a pure experience of Sage add 5 leave sto a cup of freshly boiled water and infuse in a covered cup for 15 minutes. Read our blog on how to make a proper cup of herbal tea.

For a mouthwash leave the tea until it’s until cooled.

The leaves are also well-preserved when dried; lay out neatly in a drier or somewhere warm for a day or two and store in a container.

The fresh tincture can be made by mixing 1 part fresh Sage leaves with 3 parts alcohol at @50% Vol.